February 23, 2025
Kamala Harris Inspires At NAACP Image Awards: ‘No Illusions What We Are Up Against’ As Keke Palmer And Others Win Big
Harris received the Chairman's Award.
Kamala Harris joined in on Black excellence, which was celebrated at the 56th NAACP Image Awards on Feb. 22. The former vice president spoke to the audience in an inspiring speech, and Keke Palmer and others took home major awards.
Upon receiving the Chairman’s Award, Harris encouraged viewers not to despair about the current state of the world. In her first televised appearance since the election, she urged the audience to look back at the NAACP’s history while championing hope and determination.
“This organization came into being at a moment when our country struggled with greed, bitterness and hatred,” she said. “Those who forged the NAACP, those who carried its legacy forward had no illusions about the forces they were up against. No illusions about how stony the road would be,” Harris said at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Los Angeles.
“But some look at this moment and rightly feel the weight of history,” she said. “Some see the flames on our horizons, the rising waters in our cities, the shadows gathering over our democracy, and ask, ‘What do we do now?’ But we know exactly what to do, because we have done it before, and we will do it again.”
She added, “We organize, mobilize, educate and advocate. Our power has never come from having an easy path. Our strength flows from our faith — faith in God, faith in each other, and our refusal to surrender to cynicism and destruction. Not because it is easy but because it is necessary. Not because victory is guaranteed, but because the fight is worth it.”
She continued, “While we have no illusions about what we are up against in this chapter in our American story, this chapter will be written not simply by whoever occupies the Oval Office nor by the wealthiest among us. The American story will be written by you, written by us, by we the people.”
The Chairman’s Award honors those who “excel in public service and leverage their unique platforms to ignite and drive meaningful change.”
While Harris was a highlight of the evening, the NAACP also congratulated fellow Black public figures for their work across multiple media industries. Keke Palmer took home the Entertainer of the Year award, nodding to her fellow nominees and their monumental year.
“I didn’t think I was going to win because [starts singing],” said Palmer before she referenced the famous riff sung by Cynthia Erivo’s character in “Wicked.” “…It’s such an amazing category to be in with all these people.”
She added, “It is so important that we come here together and celebrate one another with one another. I’ve been in this industry for 20 years, nobody has uplifted me more than you all, the people in this room… While we continue to ask for more money, ’cause we need that… It is important that we remember that what we would and what we deem as important is enough.”
As for other winners, the legendary Wayans family became the newest members of the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame. Netflix’s “The Six Triple Eight,” the Tyler Perry-directed war drama film about an all-Black women’s battalion, won the Outstanding Motion Picture Prize.
As for Outstanding Actress and Actor, Kerry Washington and Denzel Washington received awards for their roles in “The Six Triple Eight” and “Gladiator II,” respectively. Dave Chappelle also took home the President’s Award for his achievement and influence in entertainment.
DELEÓN Tequila, a proud returning sponsor of the awards, spoke to BLACK ENTERPRISE about what being a part of this monumental event means to the brand.
“The 56th NAACP Image Awards was a true celebration of Black excellence, and DELEÓN Tequila was honored to be part of the moment. From unveiling our Bold Spirits, Rise footprint on the red carpet to raising a glass with winners in the trophy room, every detail was designed to uplift the bold spirits shaping culture and community. As part of our Bold Spirits, Rise campaign, we highlighted the journeys of those who inspire the next generation—an ode to the power of community and creativity. This night was more than a ceremony—it was a testament to resilience, achievement, and the voices that continue to pave the way forward,” said Ari Anderman, Brand Director of DELEÓN Tequila.
Head to the NAACP Image Award’s website for the full list of winners.
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